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Meat Processor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Fresh Thyme

Meat Clerk

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Education and Experience • High school diploma or equivalency degree. • Preferred 1 -2 years grocery retail experience in Meat department processes and procedures. • Previous experience in a ...

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Meat Clerk

Davenport, IA

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Preferred 1 -2 years grocery retail experience in Meat department processes and procedures. Previous experience in a natural foods industry is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Must maintain ...

Quillins

Meat Cutter

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... processes and customer service. * Meets the physical requirement to perform the job functions ... Previous experience with Meat Department operations * Familiarity with products carried in the Meat ...

Quillin's

Meat Cutter

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... processes and customer service. * Meets the physical requirement to perform the job functions ... Previous experience with Meat Department operations * Familiarity with products carried in the Meat ...

Farmers Union Industries LLC

Barn Worker

Estherville, IA · On-site

$20.49/hr

Redwood Farms Meat Processors, located in Estherville, IA, processes hogs of varying sizes allowing us to offer a variety of cuts and cut sizes. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/redwood ...

Fair Oaks Foods, LLC

Machine Operator

Davenport, IA

$15 - $18/hr

Prepare and assemble meat-processing equipment for operation. Disassemble and prepare meat-processing equipment for sanitation washing * Document the production process by maintaining production logs.

Fair Oaks Foods, LLC

Machine Operator

Davenport, IA

$15 - $18/hr

Prepare and assemble meat-processing equipment for operation. Disassemble and prepare meat-processing equipment for sanitation washing * Document the production process by maintaining production logs.

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All JobsMeat Processor JobsMeat Processor Jobs in Iowa

Meat Processor information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$17

$23

How much do meat processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processor in Iowa is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are meat processors?

Meat processors are professionals who prepare meat for sale and consumption by slaughtering animals, cutting, trimming, deboning, grinding, and packaging meat products. They work in various settings such as slaughterhouses, processing plants, butcher shops, and grocery stores. Meat processors must follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of the products. Their responsibilities can also include inspecting meat for quality, operating specialized equipment, and maintaining records. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of health regulations.

How much money do meat processors make?

Meat processors typically earn an average annual salary between $25,000 and $40,000, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with overtime or shift differentials.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

In general, jobs that pay $400 an hour are highly specialized and typically include roles such as experienced surgeons, specialized lawyers, senior executives, or consultants with rare expertise. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes certification or licensing. For a meat processor, such high hourly rates are uncommon unless they hold executive or consulting roles within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meat Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Processor, you need knowledge of meat cutting techniques, food safety standards, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing machinery, cutting tools, and adherence to USDA or HACCP guidelines is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a fast-paced food production environment.

What Is a Meat Processor?

A meat processor prepares meat for packaging. As a meat processor, your duties revolve around cleaning, grinding, and packaging meat. You are also responsible for sorting meat and labeling packages. To perform this job, you do not need formal education, but you must complete on-the-job training. You can find these positions at grocery stores, meat packing plants, and animal slaughterhouses. Meat processors usually stand for long periods using heavy equipment, so you must have excellent physical stamina to complete your job safely. Similar job titles include meat production worker and meat packer.

What are some common challenges faced by meat processors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Meat processors often face challenges such as working in cold environments, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and performing repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. Addressing these challenges involves wearing appropriate protective clothing, adhering to sanitation protocols, and utilizing ergonomic equipment to reduce strain. Teamwork and good communication with supervisors are also essential to ensure safety and efficiency, as well as to quickly address any issues that arise during production.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A meat processor typically earns less than $10,000 a month; high-paying jobs without a degree often include roles such as sales managers, commercial pilots, or real estate brokers, which may require experience, licensing, or certifications. These positions usually involve specialized skills, industry knowledge, or sales performance to reach such income levels.

What is the difference between Meat Processor vs Butcher?

AspectMeat ProcessorButcher
CertificationsFood safety, HACCPNone required, but some may have food handling
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial settingsRetail stores, butcher shops, markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, food manufacturingButcher shops, grocery stores, restaurants
Job FocusProcessing, cutting, packaging meat in bulkCustom cutting, customer service, retail sales

While both roles involve working with meat, a Meat Processor primarily focuses on bulk processing, cutting, and packaging in industrial settings, often requiring food safety certifications. A Butcher typically works in retail environments, preparing meat for customers and providing personalized service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, or corporate executives, which typically require advanced education, certifications, and significant experience. Some freelance or consulting professionals in fields like law, finance, or technology may also earn this level of daily income, especially with high-demand skills and a strong client base.
More about Meat Processor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in Iowa? For Meat Processor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in IA? For Meat Processor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Meat Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Processor job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,643 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Meat Packing Operator

Apex Operations Management LLC

Lamoni, IA

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Meat Packing Operator
Job Title: Meat Packing Operator
Pay Range: $16-18.00/Hour; full-time position.
Education Status Required: None
Experience Level: No experience required. Ability dealing with processing animals (Can handle blood, fat, raw meat etc.) in meat packing is preferred.
Description:
If you are looking to join a fast growing direct-to-consumer meat brand and help have a hand in creating some of the best all-around meat products on the market – come join us at McBee Meat Company! We create high-quality meat products in our facility located in Lamoni, Iowa. We offer competitive pay and great benefits! This facility operates five days a week. We are scaling this company quickly and will be increasing output to match demand as we go along.
Applicants will be considered for general labor on the shift we will be making, and starting out, must be able to be cross trained across several departments including: Sanitation, RTE (packaging) and overall record keeping.
A typical day in this position will include:
  • Sterilize the facility in the morning at the start of shift.
  • Place meat into packaging.
  • Weigh packaged meat.
  • Label packaged meat.
  • Sanitize facility at end of production day.
  • Keep records and follow along with food safety (HACCP) plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Positions may be responsible for running machinery, packing, sanitizing, receiving, or shipping of products, making boxes and good housekeeping practices.
  • Must be willing to repeatedly push, pull, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Must be able to grip with hands.
  • Must be able to properly complete the paperwork associated with the position(s) assigned (including record keeping and inventory tracking).
  • Commit to food safety and employee safety plans.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Facility is located in Lamoni, Iowa.
  • Must be willing to do all necessary processes in meat processing.
  • Must be willing to work in an environment with the sight and smell of meat products or any other product present when processing meat such as blood, fat, bone, spices.
  • Must be able to learn some technology (simple touch screen monitors)
  • Perform a variety of specialized tasks in a warm, hot, humid, or wet environment.
  • Properly use tools such as knives, hooks, or other specialized equipment.
  • Perform physical tasks which require upper body strength and constant repetitive movements.
  • Stand on hard surfaces the entire shift; use of stairs and personal protection equipment (PPE) is required in all areas of the facility.
  • Compliance with all food safety policies and regulations.
  • Adhere to all safety and housekeeping processes and procedures to ensure safety for our employees, customers, and visitors.
  • Maintain and promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulations. Identify and communicate workplace hazards and correct or seek assistance in correcting unsafe actions or conditions.
  • Work and collaborate with a diverse work population.
NOTE: this description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization; these duties are considered marginal.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of work temperatures warm, hot, humid, cold, wet or with slippery surfaces at varied heights in and around moving equipment and parts.
  • Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job.
  • Must be able to work overtime as required. Start times and hours vary based on production needs.
  • Must be able to successfully complete training:
  • Safety.
  • Safe Quality Food (SQF).
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Food Defense.
WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401K

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
SALARY $16-18.00/hour DOE

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